Maple Leafs Acquire Henry Thrun from Sharks in Exchange for Ryan Reaves
In a surprising move aimed at bolstering their defensive depth, the Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired 23-year-old defenceman Henry Thrun from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for veteran forward Ryan Reaves.
The deal was announced Friday, marking another strategic shift for both organizations as they prepare for the upcoming NHL season.
Thrun, a left-shot defenceman known for his poise and two-way game, joins the Maple Leafs after a brief stint with the Sharks. A fourth-round pick (101st overall) by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2019 NHL Draft, Thrun was later acquired by San Jose in 2023. He played in 56 games last season, recording 3 goals and 16 assists while averaging just over 18 minutes of ice time per night.
With Toronto continuing to search for reliable, cost-effective options on the back end, Thrun presents a low-risk, potentially high-reward addition. At 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, he brings size and puck-moving abilityโtwo attributes the Leafs have prioritized in their blue-line acquisitions. His development curve also suggests thereโs untapped upside that Torontoโs coaching staff will look to harness.
โHenry is a smart, mobile defenceman who has shown steady improvement since turning pro,โ Leafs GM Brad Treliving said in a press release. โWe believe he can contribute to our group and continue to grow within our system.โ
Going the other way is Ryan Reaves, the 37-year-old enforcer who signed a three-year deal with Toronto last summer. Reaves struggled to find consistent footing in the lineup, recording just 1 goal and 2 assists in 34 games before suffering a knee injury mid-season.
Though beloved in the locker room and known for his physical presence, Reaves’ limited ice time and declining foot speed made his fit on Torontoโs fourth line increasingly tenuous.
For the Sharks, the acquisition of Reaves appears to be more about adding veteran leadership and toughness to a young, rebuilding roster. With several of their core players either in development or recently acquired, Reaves brings a wealth of NHL experience and a respected voice in the room.
โRyan is a character guy who plays a hard, honest game,โ Sharks GM Mike Grier said. โHeโll help set the tone for how we want our team to compete.โ
Financially, the deal works for both clubs. Thrun is still on his entry-level contract, carrying an affordable cap hit, while the Leafs shed Reaves’ \$1.35 million cap hit for the next two seasons. That added flexibility could prove important as Toronto navigates potential extensions and other roster moves.
As training camps approach, this trade gives each team a clearer sense of direction: the Leafs bet on youth and mobility, while the Sharks lean into grit and veteran presence. Time will tell which side reaps the greater reward.